Diuris secundiflora explained

Diuris secundiflora, commonly known as the one-sided donkey orchid, is a poorly-known species of orchid that is endemic to New South Wales. It has a single grass-like leaf and up to eight yellow flowers that are sometimes spotted and are all arranged on one side of the flowering stem.

Description

Diuris secundiflora is a tuberous, perennial herb with a single leaf about 90sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, 3sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and folded lengthwise. Between two and eight yellow flowers about 15sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide are borne on one side of a flowering stem about 500sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 tall. The dorsal sepal curves backwards, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, about 6sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and egg-shaped to spatula-shaped. The lateral sepals are linear, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, about 1.5sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and turned downwards. The petals spread widely or are more or less erect, egg-shaped, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and about 5sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide on a dark reddish brown stalk NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 long. The labellum is about 6sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and has three lobes. The centre lobe is fan-shaped, 4sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 long and 6sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 wide with a central ridge. The side lobes are about 2sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and less than 1sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide. There are two thick callus ridges NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long near the mid-line of the labellum. Flowering occurs in October and November.[1] [2]

Taxonomy and naming

Diuris secundiflora was first formally described in 1878 by Robert FitzGerald and the description was published in his book Australian Orchids.[3]

Distribution

The one-sided donkey orchid is only known from the type location near the Macleay River "growing in a small cluster on an open bank".

Notes and References

  1. Book: Jones. David L.. A complete guide to native orchids of Australia including the island territories. 2006. New Holland. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.. 1877069124. 130.
  2. Web site: Jones. David L.. Diuris secundiflora. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. 5 April 2018.
  3. Web site: Duiris secundiflora. APNI. 5 April 2018.